Store blaze was arson

POLICE are searching for arsonists who torched a derelict shop in East Reading.

The Fresh Filling Sandwich Bar near the junction of Crescent Road and Wokingham Road was gutted in the fire that began at around 4.30am yesterday.

Scaffolding now surrounds the structure to make

it safe.

Firefighters spent two hours battling the blaze which led to rush hour delays for drivers.

Police believe it was started deliberately under the stairwell of the empty building and are urging witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Warren Graham said: "This was a large-scale incident in a residential area which could have been much worse if it was not for the quick reactions of the neighbours and emergency services. A lot of damage and

disruption has been caused as a result of the incident and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward."